273ci thoughts?

Aj, I see you are comparing the 2 barrel 273 to the 318. That's ok.
The 273-2 has .657 hp/cu in.
The 273-4 has .860 hp/cu in. where
the 318-2 has .723 hp/ cu in.
the 340 has .808 hp/cu in.
Huh, looks like the 273-4 wins that comparison. (even playing field)

9 times out of 10 the larger engine is going to have more power. No reason to compare the two.

If you want to compare something closer to the same than a engine that has XX more cubic inches, compare a 283-2 CHevy or may be a 289-2 Ford to a 273. Those are much closer. I happen to have owned a couple 273-4 and I think they are quite impressive for a factory engine. Don't look down on or make fun of guys that like their 273's. Compared to something bigger, what you own is probably not superior.